The Pelvis and Structural Adaptions to Pregnancy Flashcards
1
Q
What are the anatomical boundaries of the perineum?
A
- Anteriorly, pubic symphisis
- Anterolaterally: ischiopubic ramus
- Laterally: ischial tuberosity and sacrotuberous ligament
- Posteriorly: coccyx
2
Q
We’re looking down into a Kenhub image of pelvic floor muscles. What muscles do we see?
A
- Levator ani (pubococcygeus, puborectalis, iliococcygeus)
- Ischiococcygeus (sometimes called coccygeus)
- Piriformis posterolaterally
- Obturator internus anteriorly
3
Q
Describe the perineal muscles (including those that relate to the genitals)
A
- Superficial/deep transverse perinei
- Pair of ischiocavernosus
- Bulbospongiosus
4
Q
What is the primary nerve supplying the pelvic floor and perineum? Is it autonomic/motor/sensory?
A
- Pudendal nerve
- It is motor, sensory, and autonomic
5
Q
Urogenital vs pelvic diaphragm
A
- Pelvic diaphragm forms the floor for all pelvic organs
- Urogenital diaphragm is outside this, and supports the urethra and surrounding structures anteriorly
6
Q
Structure of male vs female pelvis
A
- Female pelvis has thinner, lighter bones (why?)
- Women have larger pelvic inlet/outlet (why?)
- Women have wider subpubic angle (why? :))
- Women have wider, shorter sacrum with outward/down curving coccyx
7
Q
Which veins/arteries drain/supply the pelvis? Which specific branch of these drain/supply the perineum?
A
- Pelvis is supplied by internal iliac v/a
- Pudendal v/a supply the perineum (primarily internal pudendal)
8
Q
What changes occur to the pelvis/surrounding structures during pregnancy?
A
- Relaxin and oestrogen soften the joints and connective tissue (incl. ligaments)
- Pubic symphysis widens
- Pelvic floor muscles soften